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Circus Bambouk Loyal user Tempe, AZ 256 Posts |
Hi, helpful TMC members.
I've searched, and couldn't find any info specific to my problem: I need to prepare a candelabra to accept appearing and vanishing Fantasio candles. Each vanishing candle comes with a 'cap', similar to those needed for a vanishing cane. I need to keep the caps free, as I use them in my hands as part of the routine. So I need equivalent 'caps' to put in the candelabra to keep the canes open and standing straight and tall. The caps have an interior diameter of 3/4". I have not been able to find anything at the hardware store that has an interior diameter of 3/4". Any suggestions? (when I say I haven't found anything...I mean I haven't found anything that doesn't need cutting...yeah, I've been lazy. If there's a coupler with an interior diameter of 3/4", I'd be happy to find out about it...I'm a NYC dweller without a garage, workshop, etc.) Thanks! -Brian |
LeeAlex2002 Inner circle 1007 Posts |
Maybe you can find a nut (as in nut and bolt!) that would do the trick - there are nuts in all sizes, and a nut would give you the depth too and if your candleabra is metal, would not be out of place (even though this of course would not be seen).
Other absurd ideas that may help - double sided tape, Velcro, Blu-tak (or similar) all of these giving you an adhesive surface in order to hold the vanishing candle temporarily open. Failing all else contact Fantsio himself and I am sure he can supply you with spares - it is possible to buy the caps only for canes from dealers. Fantasio is a very lovely approachable man and he communicates very well and fast. |
Circus Bambouk Loyal user Tempe, AZ 256 Posts |
Thanks, Alex!
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Drew Manning Special user Dallas, Texas 913 Posts |
If I understand you correctly, you are looking for the little white collar that keeps the candle open?
If so, I have found that a paper clip will do. Just slip the edge of the candle down into and it's all set. The clip can easily be slipped off when it's time. It can of course also be easily painted so that it won't show up.
I live my life for a layer of ice
Just like those poured by my bartender vice Any taste of vermouth would be really sublime, When you have a good martini time! -The Reverend Horton Heat |
Circus Bambouk Loyal user Tempe, AZ 256 Posts |
Thanks, Drew. (and to re-thank Lee Alex, I meant to type 'Lee' but I had just received a call from an Alix...Brain don't work as well as it once did...)
The paper clip is a good idea, but I'm more specifically looking for a cap equivalent to live in the candelabra to A) keep the candle open and B) keep the candle standing up straight. I essentially need a candelabra with 3/4" holes for candles. Ultimately I think I'll just contact Fantasio himself. But if anyone else has ideas to share, they may be worth something to others in my pickle. Best wishes, Brian |
LeeAlex2002 Inner circle 1007 Posts |
Quote:
I meant to type 'Lee' Don't worry Brian, it happens all the time ;-) Murphy's Magic Supplies used to stock spare caps for canes, but I notice that they don't any more (or at least I couldn't find them). I would say your best bet is Fantasio himself! |
DonHarlan Loyal user Richmond, VA 296 Posts |
At your hardware store have you checked for replacement chair leg covers or tips? If you have a lowes near you, they will have them. If not here is the link. Look for the hard plastic ones, they have rubber but they stick to much to the candles.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr......age=none
“Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business.”-Tom Robbins
<BR> <BR>“One man's "magic" is another man's engineering".-Robert A. Heinlein |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
You don't need any caps at all. Once the candle has been extended to the appoximate diameter of the individual candle stand holder for each candle, just place the candle into it and then unwind/twist the candle slightly the other way (anti-clockwise). You will notice that the diameter of the candle increases in size slightly and the candle will stand erected tightly on the candle stand without dropping over and without collapsing. Do that for the other candles the same way.
If you do not have a candelabra or candle stand that holds multiple candles, you can find them in shopping malls. Using the method I describe above, any candle stand will do. You still don't need any caps. |
Circus Bambouk Loyal user Tempe, AZ 256 Posts |
Thanks for all the continued suggestions; here's how it's all going:
I appreciate your suggestion, James, but my candelabra is just too big...even when the candles are completely collapsed, they are loose in the holders. I did think of the replacement chair leg tips, but they are so tapered on their exterior that the big end wouldn't fit into the candelabra. BUT I have found a solution that works for me: I was able to obtain a scrap of 3/4" copper pipe. (Not the coupling...which is significantly thicker). I cut the pipe down to 2" lengths. Each of those pieces fits perfectly into my candelabra (won't even need gluing or affixing in other ways...they're that secure), and each piece holds my candles...so they look like candles! And I specifically cut them to 2 inches so they keep the candles tall and vertical. I'm very happy with my solution, and with the $10 discount candelabra we found in the discount rack at Target, an old can of silver spray paint and some scraps of copper pipe, I have found a cost-effective way to make a prop that works for me very well. Once I paint it and get it all Liberaced up, I'll post a picture. Thanks again for the suggestions and help, everyone, whether I spelled your name correctly or not. Best wishes, Brian |
LeeAlex2002 Inner circle 1007 Posts |
Brian!
You cheated! You said you didn't want to bother cutting anything, hence my suggestion of a metal nut Quote:
I mean I haven't found anything that doesn't need cutting...yeah, I've been lazy. It would be great if you could get a picture up when the prop is finished. |
Circus Bambouk Loyal user Tempe, AZ 256 Posts |
Yes, I know. We drove out to Long Island and the incredibly funny and generous juggling comedian Ray Grins (real name!) let us use his tools, expertise and scrap metal to make a bunch of progress on a number of props for new acts.
Ray Grins is the nicest and most generous man in showbusiness...that I know. But of the folks I know, that is the truthiest. And, of course, all of you. Thanks! |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
Brian, I'm glad you found the solution. It would be great if we can view the pics when you have finished.
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Circus Bambouk Loyal user Tempe, AZ 256 Posts |
I have posted pictures of the finished product (and the process along the way) at:
cdalinks.blogspot.com The pix posted in the reverse order, but you'll get the idea. thanks, all! -Brian |
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